Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Arizona Rep. to Bloomberg: What If Terrorists Kidnap Your Kid
By
Ben Muessig
Published Nov 18, 2009
Modified Nov 18, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Ben Muessig
Published Nov 18, 2009
Modified Nov 18, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A Republican Arizona Congressman who opposes the plan to hold the trials for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four other suspected terrorists in Manhattan asked Mayor Bloomberg how he would feel if his daughter was "kidnapped at school by a terrorist." Though Bloomberg's daughters — Emma, 30, and Georgina, 26 — are well past school age, Rep. John Shadegg raised the question on the House floor on Monday while trashing a decision he described as "political correctness run amok."
"It's easy for them to say we're tough," the lawmaker said. "I saw the Mayor of New York today say, 'We're tough, we can do it.' Well Mayor, how are you going to feel when it's your daughter that's kidnapped at school by a terrorist?"
Bloomberg had no role in the decision to host the trial in Manhattan, but he has said before that he supports the plan, noting: "It is fitting that 9/11 suspects face justice near the World Trade Center site where so many New Yorkers were murdered." Mayoral spokesman Stu Loeser had little to say about Shadegg's statement, telling the Post: “We’re not dignifying this with a response.”
Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY), no fan of the mayor, chastised Shadegg, "For any member of this House to suggest that somehow to support the decision to have a trial would jeopardize family members of the mayor of the city of New York is outrageous. That member knows who is he, that member should apologize, that member should then be quiet."
When questioned by reporters yesterday afternoon, Shadegg said he was sorry for bringing up the Mayor's family. “I apologize for the insensitivity of my remarks with respect to the mayor or his family, however I think it is important to note that this decision involves potential risk to innocent people,” he said.
Tagged
9/11
John Shadegg
khalid sheikh mohammed
mayor bloomberg
terror trial
video
Ben Muessig
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NY's housing crisis is on the ballot. Here's what the candidates say they'll do about it.
Housing costs are top of mind for many voters across New York.
By
David Brand
Published Oct 29, 2026 at 6:30 a.m. ET
Brooklyn's Ocean Parkway is a haven for reckless driving. Mamdani isn't allowed to fix it.
City data shows seven people have been killed and 74 were seriously injured in crashes along the street over the last five years.
By
Stephen Nessen
News
Brooklyn's Ocean Parkway is a haven for reckless driving. Mamdani isn't allowed to fix it.
City data shows seven people have been killed and 74 were seriously injured in crashes along the street over the last five years.
By
Stephen Nessen
Man killed in police-involved shooting in Moonachie, NJ
By
Kaya Laterman
Queens man took girlfriend’s body to beach in a wagon, where it remained for 5 days
By
Charles Lane
Mamdani extends NYC racial equity leader's term after Council pushes back on replacement
By
Elizabeth Kim
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .